FELA Claim Agent

About the role

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is seeking a FELA Claim Agent to investigate, evaluate, and settle personal injury and property damage claims/lawsuits from employees and customers of the Railroads (Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road).

Responsibilities

• Thorough investigation of all aspects of personal injury and property damage claims and lawsuits, to include reporting, reserving, and medical case management.
• Secure accident information through various internal and external sources, such as witnesses, medical providers, claimant’s departmental supervisors, and outside sources.
• Evaluate LIRR or MNR’s financial liability and recommend settlement value.
• Interview and secure statements from party and non-party witnesses, investigate accident scenes, perform site inspections, take photographs, and measurements.
• Confer with local police departments, local fire departments/fire marshals regarding incidents that occur on Railroad property.
• Participate in investigating suspected employees’ theft of time and/or possible fraud (FMLA, sick leave, etc.).
• Provide findings to internal departments and trial offices for appropriate disciplinary action.
• Testify and assist at disciplinary hearings/trials.
• Enable facilitation of System Safety investigations by providing claim investigation results within the confines of legal privilege and confidentiality.
• Confer with and assist in FRA, PTSB, PESH, and NTSB investigations and audits.
• Confer with and assist the Inspector General’s Office in investigations and criminal prosecution.
• Confer with and assist in NYS, NY State Comptroller, MTA, and Consultant audits.
• Negotiate and settle FELA and General Liability claims and lawsuits directly with claimant or with plaintiff’s counsel.
• Represent LIRR or MNR regarding litigation cases involving employees and customers by attending and participating in federal and state court conferences, depositions, mediations, and trials.
• Prepare all pending lawsuits for trial and assist defense counsel with discovery requests, witness identification/interviews, and medical authorizations.
• Aid defense counsel with formulation of litigation strategy.
• Identify third-party responsibility for handling and payment of claims, as well as reading and interpreting contracts and pursuing and expediting tender requests for defense and indemnification.
• Handle Station Maintenance and Force Account claims and lawsuits for employees and customer injuries.
• Must be on call 24/7 on a rotating basis to respond to accident scenes.

Requirements

• Proficiency to generate accurate, detailed reports based upon claim analysis and evaluation of compiled investigative data.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent understanding of medical, legal, and insurance terminology.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent investigational and negotiation skills and alternative dispute resolution methodology.
• Ability to evaluate and analyze claims issues to obtain fair and cost-effective settlements.
• Ability to handle assignments in a timely manner and in adherence to deadlines.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and/or comparable software applications.
• Must become track-qualified.
• Ability to effectively interface with all levels of the organization, including union representatives and external customers, including attorneys, judges, and mediators.
• Familiarity with railroad operations, policies, and programs preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Business, Law, Insurance Studies, Paralegal Studies, or related field.
• Demonstrated equivalent education, experience, and/or technical credentials, including four (4) years of related experience, may be included in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience managing claims/lawsuits, which includes investigation, negotiations, and settlements.
• New York State Casualty or NYS Independent Adjuster’s license. If the successful candidate does not have a license, he/she will be required to obtain a license within six (6) months of hire.

Skills

• Knowledge of FELA, General Liability, Auto Liability & Public Authorities Law.
• Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements and the union working environment.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy & physiology.

Benefits

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends).

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

Pay

$80,000 - $95,000

Schedule

Full-Time

Equal Employment Opportunity

The MTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.